Disco Fries Recipe (4 Ingredients, 25 Minutes)

Name: These 4-Ingredient Disco Fries Are Ready in Minutes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 pounds frozen regular-cut french fried potatoes; Salt, to taste; 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella; 1 (0.87-ounce) chicken gravy packet; 1 cup water; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional, for garnish

This four-ingredient recipe makes a retro New Jersey diner classic easy enough to prepare at home.
You can use the air fryer to quickly make golden fries for easy assembly.

Good french fries? I’ve had plenty. But few impress me the way disco fries do. If you’ve never heard of them, it’s likely because you haven’t wandered into a New Jersey diner, where they’re a local staple and a must-order. Consider this your introduction.

These fries may not sparkle like a disco ball, but they deserve the spotlight. Their name dates back to the ’70s and ’80s, when disco was at its peak and late-night partygoers would pile into diners after dancing the night away. The fries—hot, cheesy, and smothered in gravy—became the go-to solution for post-club hunger, earning them the name “disco fries.”

Today, they’re a retro American classic closely tied to New Jersey diner culture. And even as traditional diners slowly disappear, disco fries remain a comforting, nostalgic reminder of that era.

Plate of fries topped with cheese gravy and parsley — Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

What Are Disco Fries?

Even though the dish is a little retro, it still has that wow factor: a heaping plate of golden fries blanketed with melted mozzarella like a mountain range dusted with fresh snow. Warm brown gravy settles into little pools in the pockets and crevices, clinging to the crisp fry edges. It’s often compared to Canadian poutine, but as a New Jerseyan, I have to side with disco fries. Instead of scattered cheese curds, shredded mozzarella melts into every nook, giving you a stringy cheese pull with nearly every fry.

Disco fries are best served while still hot. I like pouring the gravy from the very top of the “mountain” of fries and watching it trickle down. The gravy's warmth softens the cheese, infusing each bite with salty, savory flavor. The mozzarella also acts as a protective blanket, keeping the fries from going soggy too quickly. It’s a surprisingly satisfying balance of textures: crisp edges, soft centers, gooey cheese, and rich gravy.

Dig in fast, before the fries and cheese cool completely. Disco fries can get a little messy, so many New Jersey locals eat them with a fork. But if you prefer the traditional hands-on approach, go for it—I won’t judge. You’ll probably end up licking your fingers clean either way.

For the Ultimate Disco Fries, Deep-Fry!

While these fries are made in the air fryer (or with the convection setting on a regular oven), deep-frying them will give you the most delicious, crisp results.

To deep-fry, add enough canola oil to a large Dutch oven to fill it about halfway. Heat the oil over high heat to 375°F. Add half of the fries and fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Using a spider or slotted spoon, shake off as much oil as possible before transferring the fries to the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt to taste. Return the oil to 375°F, then repeat with the remaining fries. Proceed to assemble the fries as directed in Step 4.

Fries topped with melted cheese gravy and garnished with herbs on a tray with a fork lifting a bite — Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

More Dishes To Smother in Gravy

4-Ingredient Disco Fries

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 20 mins

Total Time 25 mins

Servings 4 to 6 servings

Keep Screen Awake

2 pounds frozen regular-cut french fried potatoes
Salt, to taste
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella
1 (0.87-ounce) chicken gravy packet
1 cup water
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional, for garnish

Preheat an air fryer or the oven:

Preheat an air fryer or the oven to the temperature indicated on the french fry bag.

If using the oven, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. If using the air fryer, you can use an air fryer liner if you have one.
Air fry or bake the fries:

Arrange the french fries on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer or add them to an air fryer so they overlap as little as possible (if using an air fryer smaller than 8 quarts, you’ll need to cook the fries in 2 batches).

Bake or air fry the french fries until golden and crisp, following the instructions on the bag for timing, 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle with salt to taste.
Lower the oven or air fryer temperature to 300°F.
Assemble the fries:

On the baking sheet or in the air fryer basket, sprinkle half of the fries with half of the mozzarella. Pile the other half of the fries on top and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.

Bake or air fry until the mozzarella is fully melted, 5 to 7 minutes.
Make the gravy:

While the fries bake, add the gravy packet to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in the water.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, about 2 minutes, whisking constantly. Continue cooking until slightly reduced and thickened, about 4 more minutes. Lower the heat to the lowest setting to keep warm.
Finish and serve:

Drizzle the warm gravy over the fries. Garnish with parsley, if using, and serve immediately.

Disco fries are best served right away and do not store well.

Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a comment below!

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
372	Calories
16g	Fat
45g	Carbs
14g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories	372
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 16g	21%
Saturated Fat 6g	29%
Cholesterol 25mg	8%
Sodium 958mg	42%
Total Carbohydrate 45g	16%
Dietary Fiber 3g	12%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 14g
Vitamin C 13mg	66%
Calcium 302mg	23%
Iron 1mg	6%
Potassium 787mg	17%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.